A 1970’s comedian used to lament, “The devil made me do it.” I used to think, “If Adam and Eve hadn’t sinned, I wouldn’t be tempted.” It’s easy to cast the blame for our behavior on other people or situations. But the truth lies in this scripture: when we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, it’s as if our old self was crucified. Sin has been abolished. We receive His Spirit, who guides and directs us, so we no longer need to remain enslaved to sin. Even after we receive Christ, we’re still human, so we will be tempted. But we don’t have to cave! He gives us the strength and ability to overcome. We need only depend on Him.
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Before God and man
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As we’ve noted on previous days, Nehemiah became aware of the broken down state of Jerusalem and the despair of its inhabitants, and his heart was moved—he cared. His grief over the city and the Jewish people drove him to his knees. He pleaded with the great and terrible (awe-inspiring)…
Hymn day: “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”
HYMN DAY! “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” by Fanny J. Crosby is so tender and humble. Crosby wrote so many wonderful, deeply emotive and applicable hymns. “Whom have I on earth beside Thee?” He is our All in All. Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry;…

